Darjeeling: In a move to boost tourism, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has introduced a 34-km passenger service called Jungle Safari from Siliguri to Gayabari and back.
According to DHR director Rishav Choudhary, the Jungle Safari offers an affordable and immersive travel experience along the historic narrow-gauge line, taking passengers through dense forests and scenic landscapes otherwise inaccessible by road.
"The service, priced at Rs 500, allows passengers to enjoy leisure time at iconic spots like the Agony Point Loop, located on one of the sharpest railway curves in the world at 115 degrees," Choudhary said.
He said Sunday's run was a trial, and Jungle Safari will officially begin on Jan 17, operating on weekends. The train will depart Siliguri Junction at 10 am, reach Gayabari at 1 pm, leave Gayabari at 2.45 pm, and return to Siliguri Junction by 6 pm. The train will consist of three coaches, with a total seating capacity of 75, hauled by a diesel engine.
Choudhary added DHR has partnered with local Siliguri-based agencies under a Public-Private Partnership model. — Roshan Gupta